Barry Manilow Comes Out as Gay at 73

Pop hitmaker Barry Manilow has spent 50 years in the spotlight, though it appears he's been hiding a secret for quite some time. Now, at the age of 73, the multi-platinum artist has come out as gay.

Speaking with People, Manilow said he had taken time to come out because he doesn't like sharing too much with the public. "I'm so private," he said. "I always have been."

Manilow has been married to Garry Kief since 2014. The two first met in 1978. Still, he always had trepidation about his fans finding out about his sexuality.

"I thought I would be disappointing [my fans] if they knew I was gay. So I never did anything," Manilow said. "When they found out that Garry and I were together, they were so happy. The reaction was so beautiful — strangers commenting, 'Great for you!' I'm just so grateful for it."